Each volume of this new column will deal
with real life problems and solutions for guitarists. Most information will
pertain to each and every style of music. Just because I am holding a certain
type of guitar does not mean that I am referring to a "style" of music. It is my
belief that we must always be as practical as possible, get to the facts, get
rid of bad habits and "get 'er done."

So many people give up playing because they can't get past the
problems of their hands and even body hurting. The older we get, the more we
hurt. They often think that developing strong calluses is the answer.
This is simply not true.

A few rules should be followed to correct bad habits or problems
we have learned from others.

The first thing ALL guitar players need to do, whether they are
new, interediate or advanced, is to get their guitar in a proper holding
position so it will make playing easier. Standing or
sitting; the position should be the same.

Holding your guitar with a strap is the
easiest way to get your guitar in a correct position -

1. The lower strap button placement is almost always on the sides at
the center of the tail block

Picture # 1

2.Strap button, upper bout - placement is often placed in one of
these three locations:

A.
Position #1: on the side above the heal. This is the most common:

Picture # 2

B. Position #2: on the heal cap back of the guitar on the heal
(not pictured)
or

C. Position #3: Lower part of the heal at an angle.

Picture # 3
Picture # 4

3. However, position #3 is my favorite location as pictured in above two pictures.

Here are my reasons for this:

A. When holding your guitar you should
tilt the head up to about a 56 degree angle (note full holding pictures
6 through 8, and/or chapter four of the DVD Easy Guitar Now.)
Now your nose is directly above the neck/body joint. If you have the strap
button in this position, it will be a straight pull on the strap and it
will be secure. However, in other positions, especially position number
one (the most popular position), the strap will pull off of the button
and you can drop your guitar. This is especially true when the strap
becomes old. The hole loosens, and the strap can slip off the button easily.

B. Guitars are often head-heavy and will
balance off to the left, or head side. This is annoying and can be
distracting when playing and practicing. (1)
When the guitar is head heavy you are both holding the weight of the
neck and trying to play with your left hand. This puts you at a
tremendous disadvantage. (2) Position #3
puts the mass and weight of the heal off to the body side to better
balance the guitar. (3) Putting the strap button in
this position shifts the guitar a full two inches to the right, or body
side, which puts the weight more toward that side and helps to balance
the weight evenly.

The picture below shows an incorrect strap position and
how the guitar is head-heavy and unbalanced -

Picture # 5

C. When you are holding your guitar
correctly, your left hand, or fretting hand will naturally come straight
up to the center working part of the fingerboard (at about the fifth or
sixth fret). Position #3 makes this a natural action. Position #1
places the guitar too far to the left which puts your hand on the
fingerboard at about the seventh or eighth fret, not the center working
part of the fingerboard.

The pictures below show the strap button in the correct
position and how the guitar is balanced and easier to play.

Pictures # 3 & # 5Picture # 6

Picture # 7Picture # 8

NOTE: You will know that your guitar strap is
adjusted to the correct height when your left hand is in the center working part
of the fingerboard and your hand is straight with your arm with no tension or
twisting. Please remember to pull your left hand and fingerboard back enough to
see your fingers on the fingerboard. When you sit down you need to sit on the
edge of your seat and place the guitar between you legs. Your guitar will
lightly press against your leg and push the bottom out making it easier to see
the fingerboard and where you are placing your fingers.

Remember, sitting or standing your guitar should be in the same position.

Picture # 9

Summery -

Getting your left, or fingering hand in a low-tension
position facilitates easier and longer playing

Balance your guitar with the strap button in the best
possible position

Getting your face closer to your left or fingering hand
usually places your left hand in a good position.

Sit on the edge of you chair with your guitar between
your legs. This makes your fingering hand easier to see.

Every point has been designed to create a low stress
position and better posture for playing.

If you don't correct your holding and fingering hand
position, you can expect physical problems later.

If you do play with a good and correct holding and
fingering hand position, you will be able to reach chords and positions
you never could before, you will also be greatly encouraged in your
playing and practicing.